Christmas dinner is something that a lot of people look forward too, its a chance to be with family, friends and loved ones you might not get to see as much as you like or more than you want, don't worry that's what the wine is for. I always love Christmas because it's a chance to see family, you get to have another reason to feast like your royalty, getting and giving gifts, and enjoying the time of year where its cold and you get a reason to dress up and dress warm at the same time. Now its time for the good part, talking about the dinner your having and the wine to pair with it:
Big red meats such as beef and lamb you are going to want something that will hold up to flavor as well complimenting the wine your drinking. Cabernet Sauvignon is the obvious choice for most people, but lets go outside the box and try a Malbec, Syrah, or Old Vine Zinfandel.
Malbec is a classic Bordeaux style grape made famous by South American countries Chile and Argentina. This is a big fruit forward sometimes spicy type of wine. The deep purple color with floral, stone fruit, earthy spicy flavors will be the eye opening jaw dropping approach you will be looking for.
Syrah, the classic Rhone style wine that is grown around the world. Can easily be drunk in its early stages, it also has the ability to age with grace and taste even better than before. Flavors of dark cherry, chocolate, pepper, leather and earth feel as if you traveled around the world and back in one sip of your glass.
Old Vine Zinfandel big wine for the one who wants to be different. Old Vine Zin's are deep purplish, burgundy in color and can range from big fruity, jammy with a slight hint of peppery spice, to a smack you in the mouth spice that grabs you like you didn't know what to expect and makes you say "WOW, now that's a wine"
Milder but still full flavored meats like Duck, Chicken and Pork dishes you have a variety of ways you can go because these can make very versatile dishes and pair easily with both red and white, so lets go with Pinot Blanc, Tempernillo and Barbera also known as Barbera d'Alba.
Pinot Blanc in my humble opinion can sometimes get a bad rap. It varies so much in characteristics that people get confused by it because it can be so close to Chadonnay, yet soft and floral like a Rousanne. Beautiful caramel golden color, displays a hint of spice with pear and honey, perfectly different type of white wine.
Tempernillo my new favorite grape from the Old World to the New World. Medium bodied to full bodied, Ruby red in color, intense fruit with a slightly spicy earth finish this is a balanced wine that will go with your perfect Christmas dinner. Found mostly in Spain from the Rioja region, California, and South America do great things with the grape as well.
Barbera/ Barbera d'Alba classic Italian wine that pairs well with food because it has a brigh acidity, and crispness, low supple tannins and berry like flavors. Unfortunately not a lot of American winery's are planting Barbera but not to worry bringing or giving a bottle of Italian wine is sure to impress.
Seafood was never a tradition in my house hold around the holiday's but that doesn't mean your not allowed to make it one or just do something different this year. Whether your doing traditional or non traditional, wine can go with anything, so if Seafood is your choice for the holiday this year try pairing it with these; Gamay, Prosecco or Viognier.
Gamay or
Beaujolais is low alcohol content softer version Pinot Noir. Grown in Loire Valley, France, mostly. Other countries use it more for blending and California has very small acreage in it, but if you want a wine that won't overwhelm you and you would like to try a soft red, this is your chance.
Prosecco the Italian Sparkling wine. Sparkling wines just like any other wine can vary in tasting, texture, nose, color and body but the nice thing about Prosecco like other sparkling wines it gives a sense of celebration anytime you drink it. Floral, citrus, mineral, nutty, peach tones can all be flavors of any prosecco but the higher acidity that can cut the big flavors of seafood while complimenting it at the same time is the great thing about this pairing.
Viognier can be a spice driven floral white wine, but from my experience with it Viognier blended wines are fantastic. Viognier is mostly grown in France and very hard to grow at that, but the Central Coast California area's do a phenomenal job at producing low yields of this wine and when blended together with Rousanne or Chenin Blanc this is makes a wine unforgettable.
Last but definitely not least Vegetarian or Vegan pairings, which I personally think are the most versatile more than any other pairing because you can literally go across the board with this. Whether you are a red, white or sparkling fan, you definitely have your pick of the litter. Me personally though depending on how your doing these dishes you might want to play it safe and go with a lighter white either dry or semi sweet. Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, or a white blend will work nicely.
Riesling is probably the most widely grown grape throughout the world and vary from region to region. Dry to sweet, Riesling can do it all. Peach, citrus, floral, mineral spice, nuttiness tasting notes can with the heart of any wine drinker.
Sauvignon Blanc, the wine that grows great everywhere. Sauvignon Blanc takes many shapes and forms throughout the world and has a different name depending on the region its grown in. Fume Blanc and Chenin Blanc being the other names that takes place as well. Citrus, lemon grass, tropical fruit, tree fruit, green apple, orange blossom, lemon zest, pink grapefruit are just some of the many aroma's and tasting notes you will find from this exquisite wine.
White blends are awesome because it takes 2, 3, 5 wines and blends them all together bringing out each little nuance that wine brings to the table.
Whatever it is that you try this holiday make sure it is something you can enjoy with loved ones, be proud you brought it and enjoy the time being together. Happy Holidays and Cheers!
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